The Easiest Way to Grill Steak for Beginners

Introduction

Grilling is an art, and mastering it is an achievement for many. The art of Grilling comes with practice, and grilling steak is one of the most challenging tasks. Steaks are pretty skeptical, and cooking them takes good technique and effort. Professional chefs and some experienced home cooks are knowledgeable about grilling steak, but beginners need proper guidance and techniques to excel at grilling steaks.

Grilling steak depends on multiple factors. In this detailed article, we'll discuss the easiest way to grill steak for beginners, factors to consider while grilling, additional tips and tricks for grilling steak, and more. It is difficult for beginners to find the easiest way to grill steak, but in this article, you'll find a complete guide for beginners who want to enhance their grilling skills.

About the basics of Grilling

Before learning anything, a beginner must understand and know about the grill they'll use. As we know, grilling is a cooking method that uses direct heat to cook food, usually over an open flame. This method is considered good for cooking meats like steaks because it imparts a special smoky flavor and creates a delicious crust on the outer layer. Here's more about the basics of Grilling-

Types of Grills- There are two main types of grills, charcoal and gas, as they both have advantages and disadvantages. As a beginner, the gas grills are said to be easier to use and control 

• Charcoal Grill- These grills offer a smokier flavor and can reach higher temperatures, but they require more setup and are tricky to maintain the heat. 

• Gas Grill- These grills are more accessible to light, and the heat is more straightforward to adjust with the help of the knobs. Gas Grills are perfect for beginners because they offer more precise temperature control.
  

Heat Zones- When grilling the steak, it is essential to understand the concept of heat zones. A two-zone setup means that one side of the grill is set to high heat for searing a steak while the other side is set to medium or low heat to finish cooking the steak. Here's about Direct and Indirect heat zones- 

• Direct heat- This is when the steak is placed directly over the flame or heat source, and this is how you get the beautiful sear on the outside of the steak. 

• Indirect heat- This method involves placing the steak away from the heat sources and letting the heat surround it. It is used to cook the steak without burning it.
  

Method for Grilling the steak

1. Choosing the proper cut of steak- The initial and foremost important step for grilling the steak is to select the appropriate cut of meat. Various cuts of steak differ in tenderness, flavor, and price. As a beginner, it is best to start with easy and forgiving cuts when it comes to cooking time. Here are some of the popular cuts for Grilling- 

• Ribeye- It is known for its tenderness and rich flavor due to the marbling of fat throughout the meat. This fat melts down during cooking and creates a juicy and flavorful steak. Ribeye steaks are perfect for beginners because they are actively forgiving and cook immediately. 

• New York Strip-This cut of steak is leaner than the Ribeye, but it is still tender and flavorful. It is a popular cut and is a great choice for those who prefer a slightly leaner steak while still satisfying their taste and texture. 

• Filet Mignon- It is a super tender, incredibly lean steak that almost melts in your mouth. It is not as flavorful as a Ribeye, as it lacks fat, but it is a great choice for those who look for tenderness over richness. 

• T-Bone or Porterhouse- These cuts offer the best of both worlds: a tender filet on one side and a flavorful New York strip on the other. The only difference between a T-Bone and a Porterhouse is the size of the filet portion, as Porterhouse steaks have a larger filet. Due to the two different sections, these cuts are a little thicker to cook. 

• Sirloin- This cut of steak is affordable and flavorful. While it may not be as tender as Ribeye or Filet Mignon, it is a great choice for beginners on a budget. It has a firmer texture but still offers a delicious taste when grilled perfectly.
  

2. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature- After choosing the proper cut of steak, it is essential to know a significant step: bringing the steak to room temperature. Before moving forward with grilling, bringing the steak to room temperature is necessary. Remove the steak from the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before grilling. A cold steak cooks unevenly, and there is a risk of overcooking the outer layer while leaving the inside undercooked.

3. Seasoning and Oiling the Steak- Salt enhances the natural flavors of the meat, while pepper adds a bit of spice. 

• Salt- A generous amount of kosher salt or coarse sea salt can help draw out the moisture and create a flavorful crust when grilling. It is also advisable to season the steak on both sides and edges. 

• Pepper- The freshly ground black pepper gives the steak a subtle kick. 

However, to add flavor, rub the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. But it is preferable to keep it simple, especially for beginners. Some people also prefer to oil the steak before grilling, especially for lean cuts like Sirloin. The high heat oil, like vegetable or canola oil, can rub a thin layer of oil on both sides of the steaks. This helps prevent the grill from sticking and brings a beautiful sear. Also, the grill grates can be directly oiled using a paper towel dipped in oil and held with tongs.

4. Preheating the Grill- Before grilling the steak, it is essential to preheat the grill to the right temperature. Preheating ensures the steak sears properly and does not stick to the grill. For a gas grill, turn the burners to high heat, close the lid, and let the grill preheat for around 10-15 minutes. For a charcoal grill, light it and allow it to burn until the coals glow red and are covered with a light layer of gray ash. Remember to keep the grill at about 450- 500°F for high heat.

5. Grilling and searing the steak- Once the grill is hot, place the steak directly over the high heat for searing. As the steak hits the grill, to hear the sizzling sound, don't move it around and let it sear for a few minutes on both sides to develop a nice brown crust. For a 1-inch- or more thick steak, sear it for 2-3 minutes on both sides; the thicker steak needs to be seared longer than usual.

6. Checking for Doneness- After searing the steak, it is important to check the internal temperature to ensure that it is cooked to the desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the accurate temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone and fat. 

• Rare- 120 to 125°F (calm red center)

• Medium Rare- 130 to 135°F (warm red center)

• Medium- 140 to 145°F (pink and firm center)

• Medium Well- 150 to 155°F (slightly pink center)

• Well Done- 160°F and above (no pink)

7. Finishing & Resting the Steak- Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, the cooking can be finished, and the steak can be moved to the cooler side of the grill. If the steak still needs a little more time to cook, then close the lid and let it finish slowly, especially for the thicker steak, as this indirect heat ensures that the steak cooks evenly without burning the outer layer. 

When the steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. The resting process allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

8. Serving the Steak- Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain and serve it immediately. Pair the steak with favorite sides like grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, fresh salads, and more. However, there are some optional finishing touches, which are-

• Compound Butter- Top the steak with a dollop of compound butter made with garlic, herbs, and a bit of salt for an added flavor. 

• Sauces-The steak can also be served with a side of steak sauce, which adds more flavor to the meal.
  

Tips and Tricks for Grilling the Steak

Here are some tips and tricks that can help an individual or beginner grilling the steak-

• Clean the Grill- The cook should make sure that the grill is clean. It is also advised to season the grill with heated cooking oil and brush the grill grates before and after use so that it's always ready for the next grilling session.
  

• Careful with the Grill- If you use a charcoal grill, be patient and let the coals burn to an excellent, even heat. Your patience will be rewarded with the delicious, smoky flavor of a charcoal grill.
  

• Don't Overcrowd the Grill- For preferred doneness; the steak needs equal space and level, so leave enough space between each steak for even cooking.
  

• Use Tongs- Avoid piercing the steak with a fork, as it can cause you to lose juices. Using tongs makes it easier to flip the steak and check for doneness.
  

• Practice makes perfect- Don't be discouraged if the steak doesn't turn out perfectly on your first attempt. The more you grill, the better the results.
  

Conclusion

Grilling steak might seem like a difficult task at first, but with a few simple tips and techniques, an individual can create a restaurant-quality steak.